CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Downtown Waterline Project Update
Chris Stewart, Asst. Utilities Director – Water, will present an update to the City Commission on the status of Phase I of the Downtown Waterline project.
2004 DEU Activity Summary
The area Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) had an active year in 2004, conducting well over 100 investigations and 88 arrests. Investigation activities include controlled purchases of illegal drugs, methamphetamine lab clean ups, surveillance, and search warrant operations. Of the suspects investigated, several were engaged in activities and/or volume of drug distribution that rose to the level of federal prosecution. The unsung heroes of the DEU are members of the Lawrence Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff Department. The street value of the drugs alone (not including pills, value of firearms or cash seized) was about $400,000 in 2004. Police Chief Ron Olin considers 2004 to have been a very productive year for the DEU.
Waste Reduction/Recycling joins the Magic School Bus at Lied Center
On February 12th, Waste Reduction/Recycling staff will participate in a science workshop at the Lied Center, in conjunction with The Magic School Bus -- Live! As Mollie Mangerich, WR/R Supervisor, comments in the attached article, "An integrated approach to teaching resource conservation to children is the best approach to gain optimum attention and retention. Engaging all senses in an entertaining format is a wonderful learning environment -- one that both enriches and provides memorable experiences."
27th and SLT Pedestrian and Bike Signs Installed
Chuck Soules, Public Works Director, reports that the pedestrian and bike signs are all installed at 27th St. and the SLT. Re-striping of the crosswalk will occur when we have an extended period of warmer weather.
Judge McGrath Highlighted
The attached article in The Verdict (publication of the Kansas Municipal Judges Association) highlights the career of Municipal Court Judge Randy McGrath.
Award for Airport Project Photo of Project Award Notification
Steve Bennett, Building Maintenance Engineer with the Public Works Department, submitted the recently completed airport runway project (rehab of Runway 1/19) for an award with the Missouri/Kansas Chapter of the American Concrete Pavement Association. The project, which was entered in the “Concrete Overlays” category, won the award and will be recognized at the 25th Annual MO/KS Portland Cement Concrete Paving Conference on March 2, 2005 as the best PCC pavement constructed in this category for 2004 in the state of Kansas.
Roundabout Public Education on Website
A link to a brochure that provides “Tips for Navigating Roundabouts” is available on the City’s website at www.lawrenceks.org. Information regarding how to navigate both a single lane and two lane roundabouts are included, along with safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists. The information link can be found on the main city page, under “City News”.
Supervisory Training in February
All supervisors for the City will be involved in training this month to learn the various features of the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This training will be provided by New Directions, the consultant providing the EAP. This will be the first full year of the program under New Directions, selected during a request for proposal process last year after budget approval from the City Commission.
Crack Sealing Program Update Staff Memo Photos - Crack Sealing
The attached memo provides information from Chuck Soules, Public Works Director, regarding the City’s Crack Sealing Program.
Sixth Street Construction Project Update
Terese Gorman, City Engineer, provides the attached update on the status of the Sixth Street Improvement Project (from Folks Road to the SLT).
Street Inventory Update
The attached map illustrates the streets inventoried to date and those scheduled to be inspected in February. This inventory step is the first component of the Pavement Management System that has been developed in the Public Works Department to prioritize street maintenance projects.
Daddy-Daughter Date Night a Success
Jo Ellis, Recreation Program Supervisor, and staff had about 180 at the second annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night. The event, held Saturday, February 5th, had a Hawaiian Luau theme and is already so large we have booked Bldg 21 at Do Co Fairgrounds for next February.
Health Department Official Selected for Workshop
Kay Kent, Director of the Lawrence/Douglas County Health Department, is one of about ninety individuals invited from North America to participate in a Center for Disease Control (CDC) sponsored workshop to develop national recommendations on recreational water illness prevention. The workshop will be held in Atlanta, February 15-17. CDC is covering expenses. Given our experiences with the cryptosporidium outbreak and the lack of national standards, Kay believes the development of such standards will be very beneficial at the local level.
Action Items from 02-01-05
A report on the action items assigned to staff during the 02/01/05 City Commission meeting is attached, along with an update of previous action item assignments.
Action Items from 02-01 -05
|
Consent Agenda Item # |
Action Request |
Timetable |
|
#9b – TSC rec. to deny reduced speed on Sierra Dr. |
Refer back to TSC with staff recommendation on alternatives other than lower speed limit. |
tbd |
|
City Manager’s Report |
Action Request |
Timetable |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Regular Agenda Item # |
Action Request |
Timetable |
|
#9 – annexation and rezoning requests for Lake Estates @ Alvamar |
02/15/05 - reconsider previous motions denying rezonings; approve motion to refer rezonings to PC; PC to consider area plan |
Area plan preparation could begin in late 2005 or 2006. |
|
CC item – Hack |
Receive status report with Langston Hughes Literacy group. |
Study session date on 2/9/05 |
|
CC item – Hack |
Farmer’s Market – close Vermont St. |
Contact made with Maria Martin of DLI |
Action Items from previous CC meetings:
|
Agenda Item |
Action Request |
Timetable |
|
TSC recommendations from New York School PTO |
Remove 30 MPH sign in from on New York School, install 4-way sop signs temporarily at 10th & NY and 9th & NY; explore safe crossing options for 11th Street, research and bring to TSC; remove stop sign at 9th & NJ; monitor traffic counts and speeds on 11th Street |
Get traffic counts and speeds for 11th St. while school is in session this semester; bring safe crossing options to TSC spring, 2005. Stop sign ordinances on CC agenda for 2nd reading 2/15/05. |
|
Housing Trust Fund Board request for direction |
Com. Hack requested that during the 2006 budget process, staff remind the CC to discuss the need for an ongoing funding source for the HTF |
Budget study session – note on calendar Budget calendar under development. |
|
Adopt new Development Code |
Refer back to PC; allow for additional public review and comment. |
PC set special hearing date for 03/09/05 |
|
Housing tax credit app. for Vermont Towers |
In staff report, address concerns voiced by James Dunn |
CC agenda item for 02/15/05 meeting |
|
Torres memo |
Place Structural Blight Abatement and Neighborhood Revitalization Act memo on future CC agenda |
Future CC agenda item |
|
Torres memo |
Place Storm Shelter Recommendation memo on future CC agenda |
Future CC agenda item |